As pet owners, we always want the best for our furry companions. When our pets are sick or need medication, we want to ensure they receive the proper dosage and that when we give medicine to pets, it is administered safely and effectively. We have all been there with a dog refusing to take medication or trying to give pills to dogs or cats, some of us have lost skin in the game too! One tool that can help with this is an oral syringe.
An oral syringe is a plastic tool with a long, thin tip used to measure and administer medication to pets. Here are some benefits of using an oral syringe for pet medication:
You can Crush some Medications:
Yes, you read that correctly. Some tablets can be crushed and dissolved in water or something that your pet might like the taste of. Please ask your Vet before you consider this as an option because some medication is designed to release slowly and may not be suitable for this method.
How to crush a tablet
If you don’t own a tablet crusher, then you can use two metal spoons. The technique is very straightforward: Take a spoon and place the tablet on it. Take the second spoon and put it on top of the tablet and slowly press them together while using your thumbs to create a slight rocking action. This should be enough to break the tablet to powder and make it easier to dissolve in your liquid.
Accurate Dosage:
One of the most significant benefits of using an oral syringe is the accuracy of the dosage. Unlike using a measuring cup or spoon, an oral syringe allows for precise measurement of medication, ensuring that your pet gets the exact amount prescribed by your veterinarian. This is particularly important when administering medicines that require a precise dosage, such as insulin, for diabetic pets.
Ease of Administration:
Giving medicine to pets can be a challenge, especially if they are not cooperative or have difficulty swallowing pills. An oral syringe makes the process much easier as the medication can be delivered directly into the mouth, allowing for quick and efficient oral dosing of medication. Additionally, the long, thin tip of the syringe can reach further into the mouth, making it easier to give medicine to pets with smaller mouths.
Reduced Risk of Choking:
Another advantage of using an oral syringe is the reduced risk of choking. When pills are given to pets, there is always the risk of the medication getting stuck in the throat, leading to choking or other complications. With an oral syringe, the medicine dose is delivered directly into the mouth, reducing the risk of choking and ensuring that the medication reaches the stomach quickly and safely.
How to Give Medicine to Pets with Less Mess:
Giving medication to pets can be messy, especially when trying to crush pills or mix the medication with food. An oral syringe eliminates the need for messy preparation as the medication can be drawn up directly into the syringe and administered quickly and cleanly. Additionally, using an oral syringe reduces the risk of medication spilling or getting lost in food or water bowls.
- Crush your tablet
- Dissolve in your liquid
- Draw up all of the liquid into your oral syringe
- Give your pet a fuss and let them see and smell the syringe
- Slowly, hold your pet in a comfortable way (if your pet has claws or can be unpredictable, then it is probably wise to swaddle them in an old towel to prevent them from struggling and scratching you. This could be a two or three-person scenario – one to hold them, one to smooth and comfort them, and the third person to give the medicine!
- Remain calm! Most pets trust their favourite humans, and they are not expecting you to harm or upset them.
- Holding the mouth gently, try to squeeze the medicine slowly into the side of the mouth. Do not try and shoot the liquid straight to the back of your pet’s throat.
The crucial trick to making this method work is finding a liquid that your pet likes. If you can do this, then more often than not, they will drink the liquid straight from the oral syringe.
Flexible and Versatile:
Oral syringes come in various sizes, allowing for flexibility in dosages and medication types. They can be used to administer liquid medications, as well as crushed pills or powdered medication mixed with water. Oral syringes are also helpful for administering subcutaneous fluids, such as saline solutions or electrolyte replacements, to pets who need additional hydration.
In conclusion, we want you to give medicine to pets and using an oral syringe for pet medication has several benefits, making it a valuable tool for pet owners. They provide accurate dosages, ease of administration, reduce the risk of choking, are less messy, and are versatile in their uses. If your pet requires medication, talk to your veterinarian about using an oral syringe to ensure that your pet receives its medication safely and effectively.
For more advice: PDSA